Following the publication of a report containing options to improve transport in South West Scotland, local MSP Brian Whittle has called for a debate on the issue in Holyrood.
The South Scotland MSP has been calling on the Scottish Government to get serious about improving the area’s road and rail links with a programme of investment similar to those seen in other parts of Scotland. Major roads like the A77, A76 and A75 are all recommended for improvement as well as rail routes south from Kilmarnock and Ayr. The report also proposes improved bus services and better coordination between different forms of public transport.
With the final report containing dozens of suggested opportunities to improve road safety, cut journey times, deliver more frequent, reliable public transport and promote active travel, Brian has lodged a motion in parliament welcoming the proposals in the report in the hope of securing time for a debate in the chamber.
The study, “South West Scotland Transport Study – Initial Appraisal: Case for Change” was delivered after Brian and local campaign groups met with the Scottish Government and secured a commitment to undertake the review. Now, the recommendations in the document will be submitted to the Scottish Government’s national review of transport infrastructure, STPR2, which will decide whether any of them go ahead. That report isn’t due to be complete until later this year or early next year and Brian Whittle is determined to keep the pressure on the Scottish Government to deliver for South West Scotland.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“For people in Ayrshire who use the road and rail network every day this report tells us what we already knew – our transport infrastructure isn’t good enough.
Now that we have it on paper in a Scottish Government commissioned report, I want the Transport Secretary to accept that roads like the A77 and A76 should be getting the same kind of long-term improvements that we’ve already seen on roads in the North East.
If we want to strengthen our local economy, make the most of the Ayrshire Growth Deal and improve connections between our communities, we need better public transport and better infrastructure. It’s as simple as that.
I hope MSPs from all parties who represent the South West will back my motion in parliament and help put pressure on the Scottish Government to finally deliver the investment this area deserves.”
